Dayton, Ohio, Gears up for 36th Annual Oktoberfest

Dayton Art Institute's 36th annual Oktoberfest will take place the first weekend of October. Traditional German food and drink, live music and entertainment both inside and outside, artists showing their treasures, and creative children's activities all converge to provide a fun atmosphere for this fall festival. More than 25 food vendors will offer international foods along with a wide selection of Miller beers, international wines and beers, as well as craft beers. Almost 70 artisans will gather to sell their jewelry, artwork, pottery, and other handcrafted works.

MeadWestvaco, the packaging company with a strong presence in Dayton, will again sponsor the MeadWestvaco FamilyFest during Oktoberfest 2007. FamilyFest offers kid friendly activities such as art projects and face painting from Noon until 7pm on Saturday, and from Noon until 6pm on Sunday.

Oktoberfest 2007, sponsored by the Miller Brewing Company, at the Dayton Art Institute runs from Noon until 11pm on Saturday, October 6th and again from Noon until 7pm on Sunday, October 7th.

If purchased in advance, Oktoberfest tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 7 through 18. At the gate tickets cost $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 7 through 18. Children under the age of 7 are admitted for free. Senior tickets, for guests ages 60 and over, cost $3 either in advance or at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased at Dorothy Lane Markets, Arrow Wine and Spirits, most Boston Stoker locations, the Schuster Center box office, at most National City locations in Dayton, and at the Dayton Art Institute.

Kegs and Eggs will offer guests the chance to start celebrating Oktoberfest a few hours early on Saturday, October 6. A $25 ticket buys festival admission for all day, starting from 10am until Noon, with an egg breakfast, Miller beer, and a live music performance from the local band FutureSite. The first 300 people admitted will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Call 937-223-5277, extension 220, for more information on Kegs and Eggs.

For those especially eager to start the Oktoberfest festivities, a Preview Party sponsored by local demolition company, Steve R. Raunch, will be held on Friday, October 5, from 7 to 11pm. Reservations are required and tickets cost $40 for museum members, $50 for non-members and $75 after 5pm on the day of the event.

Dayton's Regional Transit Authority will offer a free shuttle to and from Oktoberfest throughout the weekend. Guests can park in downtown Dayton and take the free shuttle from Main Street (Route 48) or from Fifth Street in the Oregon District, to Oktoberfest at the museum..

The Dayton Art Institute is located at 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH 45405 and the museum's main telephone number is (937) 223-5277.